Tourism ‘crucial’ for Borders Railway success

Tourist and leisure passengers could be a “crucial factor” in the success of the Borders Railway that re-opens on September 6, says the Campaign for Borders Rail (CBR).

A feasibility study conducted for the Scottish Executive in 2000 suggested limited tourism potential for the 30-mile route between Edinburgh and Tweedbank, and initial plans included no capacity for lengthy main line charters and associated facilities.

The study concluded: “Some tourists will travel out from Edinburgh “for the ride” on the line, but there is no reason to believe they will spend significant amounts of money in the Borders.

For more, read RAIL 782, published on September 2.